Saudi Arabia head coach Hervé Renard has acknowledged the challenge his team faces in securing a place at the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing that already-qualified Japan will not ease up in Tuesday’s crucial qualifier.
The Saudis currently sit third in Group C of the third round of Asian qualifying, trailing second-placed Australia by just one point with three matches remaining. The top two teams earn automatic qualification for next year's tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while the third- and fourth-placed teams must navigate an additional playoff round.
Despite Japan having already secured their place at the World Cup, Renard does not expect them to take their foot off the gas when they meet in Saitama.
Renard: "Japan Will Give 100 Percent"
"It's a tough sprint for second place," Renard said on Monday. "Japan are a disciplined team, and we know their philosophy. There is no doubt they will play this game at 100 percent."
Renard, who famously led Saudi Arabia to a shock victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, returned for a second spell as head coach in October after Roberto Mancini's dismissal.
Saudi Arabia ended a five-match winless run in qualifying last week with a 1-0 victory over China, putting them three points ahead of Indonesia, Bahrain, and China in the battle for third place. Their remaining fixtures include a visit to Bahrain before hosting Australia in what could be a decisive clash.
Before that, however, they must contend with a dominant Japan side that has won six of its seven matches, securing qualification with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain last week.
Saudi Arabia Must "Believe in Themselves"
"We know we are playing against a very strong team, but with only three games left, this match is crucial for us," Renard said. "We need to be ready for a tough battle, but in football, you have to believe in yourself and in your qualification."
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu confirmed he would rotate his squad for the match, with striker Ayase Ueda and midfielder Hidemasa Morita having already returned to their clubs. Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma remains a doubt after missing training on Monday.
Japan captain Wataru Endo stressed that determination, rather than tactics, will be the key factor in the contest.
"Who wants to win the game will be more important than tactics," said the Liverpool midfielder. "Saudi Arabia are in a difficult situation and need a result, but we must want it more than them. We are aiming to win the World Cup, and we need to give everything in this game."